Venezuela’s Interim President Tells Washington to Stop Issuing Orders

Overview

• In a Jan. 25 speech to oil workers in Anzoátegui, Delcy Rodríguez declared "Enough of Washington's orders" and urged that Venezuelans resolve their political disputes internally.
• Rodríguez is recognized by the Supreme Court and the armed forces to serve as interim leader for 90 days after the Jan. 3 U.S. operation that captured Nicolás Maduro and transferred him to the United States for prosecution.
• Despite the public rebuke, her government says it received a $300 million first payment under a 50‑million‑barrel supply arrangement with the United States, as President Trump has asserted U.S. tutelage and control over Venezuelan oil.
• Washington has taken steps toward restoring diplomatic ties, naming a new chief of mission, considering an embassy reopening, and inviting Rodríguez to visit the U.S. capital.
• Figures on prisoner releases diverge, with the government claiming 626 freed since December and NGO Foro Penal verifying 375 over that period and more than 100 on Sunday, while experts warn U.S. long-term goals remain unclear and appear oil‑first.